Many dentists look at dental implants as the first choice for the replacement of missing teeth. Implants last longer than other dental prosthetics, and they are aesthetically more appealing. What makes the implant look good is the crown, or the part of the artificial tooth that you actually see.
Anatomy of a Dental Implant
Dental implants actually consist of three separate parts. The implant itself is a biocompatible screw-like pin, usually titanium, which is placed into the jaw bone. This pin acts like a tooth root. Once it is placed in the bone, the integration process begins as the bone becomes adhered to the implant. This is called osseointegration. The process can take from three to six months before it is completed and fully healed.
The abutment is the second part. It fits onto the implant and is the piece on which the crown is either screwed or cemented. The crown is the part of the implant that is visible to the eye. The implant procedure is done in a way so that when the crown is placed on the abutment, the area where the abutment and crown meet will be flush with or just below the tip of the gums. This placement makes the completed implant virtually indistinguishable from a natural tooth.
Implant Crowns
The porcelain crowns used for implants can be made from many different materials, including but not limited to zirconia, feldspathic, leucite, lithium disilicate or alumina. The cost of the materials varies, and where the crown is placed must also be taken into consideration.
Other considerations are the patient’s bite pattern, whether or not the patient grinds the teeth or how translucent adjacent teeth may be when compared to others. Even the gum tissue, how thick or thin, is a factor is choosing the right porcelain material for the implant crown. The prosthodontists at Aesthetic & Implant Dentistry of Atlanta will determine the perfect choice for your implant crown and discuss options with you.
Contact us for more information about dental implants and implant crowns. Schedule an appointment for an examination and consultation. Dental implants may be the key to your perfect smile.
